唔敢當

You Flatter Me

Level 4Sounds Like m4 gam2 dong3

唔敢當 (m4 gam2 dong1) is the standard Cantonese way to say "You flatter me" or "I don't deserve such praise." It is essential for polite social and professional interactions.

How It Works

唔敢當 (m4 gam2 dong1) is a fixed polite expression used specifically in response to compliments or high honors.

1. Usage Context
It is used when someone praises your skills, achievements, or character. While younger speakers might use the more casual 邊度呀 (bin1 dou6 aa3), 唔敢當 is the "gold standard" for formal situations, business settings, or when speaking to elders. A slightly more formal alternative to deflect praise is 邊度話 (bin1 dou6 waa6).

2. Structure and Softening

  • It is often repeated twice (唔敢當，唔敢當) to show extra sincerity and humility.
  • You can add the softening particle 呀 (aa3) at the end to make it sound less stiff: 唔敢當呀.

3. Cultural Nuance
The phrase is rooted in the concept of "giving face." By "not daring" to accept the praise, you are effectively elevating the person who gave the compliment while keeping yourself humble. It is frequently paired with 過獎 (gwo3 zoeng2), which means "over-praise."

Examples (3)

  1. A: 你啲廣東話講得好叻呀！ B: 唔敢當，仲有排學呀。

    A: Your Cantonese is really good! B: You flatter me; I still have a long way to go.

    Word by Word: A: You [plural marker] Cantonese speak [manner marker] very smart [particle]! B: Not dare deserve, still have [a long time] learn [particle].

    This is a classic response to a compliment about language skills. 唔敢當 (m4 gam2 dong1) deflects the praise, and the second half shows the speaker is still working hard.

  2. A: 陳經理，今次真係全靠你咋。 B: 唔敢當，係大家努力啫。

    A: Manager Chan, this was all thanks to you. B: I don't deserve such credit; it was everyone's hard work.

    Word by Word: A: Chan Manager, this time really all rely you [only]. B: Not dare deserve, is everyone hard work [only].

    In a professional setting, using 唔敢當 (m4 gam2 dong1) shows that you are a team player who doesn't take all the credit for yourself.

  3. A: 你真係一個大好人。 B: 唔敢當呀，我只係盡力而為。

    A: You are truly a great person. B: You're too kind; I'm just doing my best.

    Word by Word: A: You really is one [classifier] big good person. B: Not dare deserve [particle], I only is [do my best].

    Adding the particle 呀 (aa3) softens the phrase, making it sound warmer and more natural in a personal conversation.

Common Mistakes

  • Using it as a response to 'Thank you' (You're welcome).

    A: 唔該晒你幫我。 B: 唔敢當。
    A: 唔該晒你幫我。 B: 唔使客氣。

    唔敢當 (m4 gam2 dong1) is for responding to praise, not for favors. If someone says 'Thank you' for a service, use 唔使客氣 (m4 sai2 haak3 hei3) instead.

  • Using it with close friends in a casual setting.

    Different MeaningA: 你件衫好靚喎！ B: 唔敢當。
    A: 你件衫好靚喎！ B: 邊度呀，求其買㗎咋。

    Using 唔敢當 (m4 gam2 dong1) with close friends can sound overly formal or even sarcastic. Use 邊度呀 (bin1 dou6 aa3) for a more natural, casual deflection.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

唔敢當Level 4You Flatter Me

Learn This First

To understand '唔敢當', you need to recognize the general negator '唔' and the modal verb '敢' (to dare). Literally meaning 'I don't dare to accept/take it', this fixed expression is used to modestly deflect compliments. Understanding the particle '啫' is also helpful as it is frequently paired with this expression to further downplay one's own success.

Words in This Pattern

唔敢当